The Uyghurs are one of the oldest Turkic-speaking peoples of Central Asia. Their language is closely related to Uzbek, with which it shares a common ancestor. Modern Uyghur is spoken by about 11 million people in Xinjiang and 2 million people in Central Asia and elsewhere. This textbook offers beginning students a thematically organized and integrative approach to the Uyghur language that emphasizes communicative activities, step-by-step development of linguistic skills, and elements of Uyghur culture. A multimedia DVD includes audio that helps develop listening and speaking skills and videos filmed in different regions of Xinjiang, China.
Table of Contents
Scope and Sequence
Preface
A Note to the Instructor
An Introduction to Uyghur
1. The Uyghur Arabic Alphabet
2. Greetings and Farewells
3. Introducing Yourself
4. Classroom Objects
5. Commands and Requests
6. Daily Routines
7. My Family
8. Describing People and Objects
9. Talking about Age and Past Events
10. Buying Fruit at a Grocery Store
11. Ordering Food and Drink
12. Guests Bring Happiness
13. Weather and Seasons
14. Talking about Clothing
15. Health
Complementary Reader
Appendix A: Uyghur Alphabets
Appendix B: Transcripts of Listening Exercises
Appendix C: Transcripts of Uyghur Realia
Appendix D: Uyghur Vowels
Appendix E: Grammatical Summary
Appendix F: Maps
Uyghur-English Glossary
English-Uyghur Glossary
Index
Reviews
"Uyghur: An Elementary Textbook by Gulnisa Nazarova and Kurban Niyaz is an excellent resource for students beginning to study the Uyghur language. The interactive activities and 'real world' objects interspersed throughout the text make this an essential guide to learning both the language and the culture of Xinjiang."—Rebecca Clothey, Assistant Professor, School of Education, Drexel University
"This is the Uyghur textbook I wished for when I began studying the language years ago. The lessons have been carefully crafted with the needs of English speakers in mind and deftly organized so as to motivate students but not overwhelm them. Each chapter is beautifully illustrated with pictures and line drawings, and the exercises will hold students’ interest while sharpening their skills. The grammatical explanations are clear and the examples well chosen. An excellent text, and very highly recommended."—Gardner Bovingdon, Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies, Central Eurasian Studies, Indiana University
About the Author
Gulnisa Nazarova is a lecturer in Central Eurasian studies at Indiana University.
Kurban Niyaz is a Uyghur language material developer at the Center for Languages of the Central Asian Region, Indiana University.
